Double boost for All Blacks
INJURY UPDATE: The All Blacks received a double boost ahead of their home Rugby Championship matches against Argentina and South Africa.
Head coach Steve Hansen revealed on Sunday that both Ryan Crotty and Sam Cane are “symptom-free” after recent head knocks.
Crotty was knocked out after a head clash with midfield partner Jack Goodhue in the tournament’s opening game against Australia in Sydney on August 18.
There has been a lot of talk about Crotty’s playing future after that latest head knock and Hansen admitted to being “concerned” about his experienced midfielder.
However, Crotty is in the selection frame for next weekend’s clash against Los Pumas in Nelson. Cane, who suffered a head knock in the clash against the Wallabies in Auckland is also expected to be available for selection.
“Ryan and Sammy are both tracking along nicely. We’ll make decisions about them during the week,” Hansen told stuff.co.nz.
Meanwhile, Hansen confirmed that Sonny Bill Williams will play no part in the clash against Argentina.
Williams is still recovering from a shoulder injury, but he could return to action against the Springboks in Wellington on September 15.
“We’ve just got to get him [Williams] back into contact and make sure that his shoulder is OK, so we’ll give him a bit of time to do that,” Hansen said.
Source: stuff.co.nz